Unveiling the Heartfelt Ways Lea Michele Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Cory Monteith

Lea Michele never fails to remember and honor her late boyfriend and costar from Glee, Cory Monteith, every year on the anniversary of his passing. She expresses her feelings through heartfelt notes and nostalgic photos, making sure to never let the day go by unnoticed.

Cory Monteith, known for his role in Monte Carlo, tragically lost his life at the young age of 31 due to a mixture of drugs and alcohol. He was discovered in a hotel in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2013. Prior to his untimely death, the actor had recently completed a stint in rehab.

Michele and Monteith, known for their roles as Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson on the television show Glee, first met on set in 2009. They began dating in 2012 and remained in a relationship until Monteith's passing.

To honor her beloved late partner, Michele, who also appeared in Scream Queens, decided to commemorate him with tattoos. In April 2016, she got his character's jersey number inked on her side. Michele shared this meaningful gesture on Instagram, stating, "And one more... for my Quarterback... #5." Additionally, she had the name "Finn" permanently written on her lower back.

In February 2014, Michele shared details about the couple's previous future plans. "We discussed various topics such as having children, envisioning our appearance as we aged, and how we would maintain our weight," she reminisced in an interview with Glamour UK. "We also talked extensively about our desired destinations and aspirations. We were certain. We were the perfect match."

She further expressed, "When you reach that stage in a relationship, you discuss everything. However, I believe that I was fortunate enough to have experienced the best aspects of Cory, and for that, I am grateful."

Michele expressed her adoration for her relationship with Monteith and defended his memory. In an interview with Seventeen, she emphasized that she only had positive memories of Cory and acknowledged that his addiction tragically overcame him. However, Michele firmly believed that addiction did not define him as a person. She cherished the way Cory treated her like royalty every day and expressed gratitude for being the best boyfriend who made her feel beautiful.

Reflecting on her time working with the late actor, Michele confessed that it still evokes strong emotions in her. During a January 2020 episode of the "Showmance" podcast, hosted by Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, both former Glee co-stars, Michele opened up about her feelings towards their shared experiences on set.

After rewatching the series pilot, she expressed that the moments which stirred her emotions were unlike anything she had experienced before regarding the show. One such moment that deeply affected her was when [Finn] helped [Artie] out of the Porta Potty. It was a collection of moments like these, where the entire character arc of a season could be observed in a single moment, that resonated with her. Witnessing Finn's compassionate gesture and the display of his true nature touched her heart profoundly.

Continue scrolling to explore the songstress' heartfelt tributes to her beloved boyfriend over the years:

Credit: Mark Sullivan/WireImage

How Lea Michele Has Honored Late Boyfriend and 'Glee' Costar Cory Monteith Each Year Since His Death

Remembering Cory Monteith: Lea Michele's Heartfelt Tribute

Lea Michele holds Cory Monteith close to her heart always. Every year on the anniversary of his passing, the actress and former co-star of the hit show Glee ensures that his memory is honored. Whether she pens a sincere message or shares a sentimental throwback photo, she makes it a point to pay tribute to him and his impact on her life.

The star of Monte Carlo passed away at the age of 31 due to an unintentional combination of drugs, including heroin and alcohol. His body was discovered in a hotel in Vancouver, Canada, in July 2013. Prior to his untimely demise, the actor had recently completed a rehabilitation program.

Michele and Monteith, famous for portraying the characters of Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson on the television show Glee, first crossed paths on set in 2009. The two began dating in 2012 and were together until his tragic passing.

The Scream Queens actress honored her late partner with multiple tattoos, including his character's jersey number on her side in April 2016. She also had his name, "Finn," tattooed on her lower back. In February 2014, Michele shared that she and her partner had discussed various future plans, such as having children and growing old together. They had envisioned a life together and felt complete in their relationship.

She commented, "When you reach that stage in your life with someone, you discuss everything. However, today I feel as though I was blessed with the best part of Cory, and I'm grateful for that."

Later in the year, Michele expressed her admiration for her relationship with Monteith and defended his memory. She stated, "I only have fond memories of Cory. His addiction didn't define him - unfortunately, it overcame him," she shared with Seventeen. "But that's not who he was. Cory made me feel like royalty every day. From the moment he said, 'I'm your boyfriend,' I cherished each day, and I appreciate him for being the most amazing boyfriend and making me feel incredibly beautiful."

Michele confessed on a January 2020 episode of the "Showmance" podcast with Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, who were also cast members of Glee, that she still feels emotional when reminiscing about her time filming with the late actor.

Upon rewatching the series pilot, Michele revealed that there were moments that touched her deeply, unlike anything she had experienced before in relation to the show. One such moment was when Finn came to Artie's aid and helped him out of the Porta Potty. These instances portrayed an entire character's growth throughout a season condensed into a single moment. Michele expressed her admiration for Finn's compassionate nature, which profoundly affected her.

Scroll to see the songstress’ tributes to her late boyfriend through the years:

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